SERPENT Competition

Kongsberg Maritime is extending support for the SERPENT project by sponsoring alongside BP an underwater image and video competition. Entries are invited in five categories, with the aim of showcasing the best biological and technical images taken in the deep sea. The SERPENT (Scientific and Environmental ROV Partnership using Existing iNdustrial Technology) project was founded by Dr Ian Hudson of the DeepSeas Group, George Decon Division of the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS), and oil & gas partners. The project unites research establishments and oil and technology companies in a bid to increase our knowledge of the sea by utilising the spare time of ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles). The image competition is open to industry, scientists, support staff and professional photographers. The five categories are Underwater Images (>200m depth), Technical Underwater Images (>200m depth), Microscopic/specimen images of deep-sea species or features, Fieldwork/experimental set-up/vessels & vehicles/equipment and Underwater video footage. Judging criteria include visual impact, importance to science, novelty, and rarity of subject, but most of all the way in which images capture the essence of the deep ocean and how we explore it today. Results will be announced at the 11th International Deep-Sea Biology Symposium, to be held at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton from 9th to 14th July 2006.